State Tournament: Players to Watch – Division 4A
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The biggest moment of high school volleyball season has arrived in the state of Texas as this week, from Wednesday to Saturday, the best teams in the Lone Star State will fight for the state titles in Garland. Four teams…
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Continue ReadingThe biggest moment of high school volleyball season has arrived in the state of Texas as this week, from Wednesday to Saturday, the best teams in the Lone Star State will fight for the state titles in Garland.
Four teams in each division will be on the court at the Curtis Culwell Center over the next few days and each of the 24 programs competing for the honor of ruling Texas features several players with extraordinary potential.
As we warm up for the State Tournament, let’s go over the top players in each division. Division 4A, which has Celina, Davenport, Randall and Salado as the title contenders, is up next.
Players to Watch
Gove guided Randall to a State Tournament title last year and will be back in perhaps an even more prominent role with the team this week. She has tremendous firepower on the left and the Lady Pirates do not hesitate before turning to her, especially when out of system. Gove is also a very strong blocker, who uses her size well and has excellent timing and technique to shut opponents down. This season, she registered 709 kills, 456 passes, 429 digs, 65 blocks and 49 aces with the team.
Highlights
Sebree has been an outstanding addition to Celina coming from Nebraska ahead of this high school season. A setter with incredible hands and a very high volleyball IQ, she makes players around her better and has made a major impact on the team. Besides running the Lady Bobcats’ offense with great efficiency, she also gets to contribute in other areas of the game, playing very strong defense and displaying excellent ball control.
Highlights
Livia Niu
Livia Niu
A setter with a rare combination of technical skills and size, Niu has been excellent for Salado this season. I first watched her a couple of years ago and it’s great to see how much progress she has made since them, improving her ball distribution, moving in a smoother way on the court and getting to contribute in other areas of the game. She’s one of just a few setters who are a real asset at the net because of her size. She led Salado this season with 1,117 assists, 121 kills, 195 digs, 94 blocks and 64 aces.
Ashtan Dodson Ashtan Dodson 6'0" | OH Davenport | 2025 State TX
Ashtan Dodson Ashtan Dodson 6'0" | OH Davenport | 2025 State TX
Dodson played a big role in Davenport’s historic campaign with resulted in the program’s first appearance in the State Tournament. She’s been a stud offensively, sharing the team’s scoring load with older sister Talan and having great success when swinging from the left and the middle back position. The junior outside hitter has been producing all over the board, making the trip to Garland with 433 kills, 416 digs, 550 passes and 55 aces.